Written by Below is a timeline chart outlining key events that define the Jewish relationship with Greece, including both positive and negative periods, as well as brief explanations of what happened during each phase. The relationship between the Jews and the Greek world evolved significantly, particularly during the Hellenistic period following the conquest of Alexander the Great.
| Year (BCE) | Event | Relationship Status | Brief Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 332 BCE | Alexander the Great conquers Judea | Good | Alexander the Great conquers the Persian Empire, including Judea, but maintains a relatively positive relationship with the Jews. According to Jewish tradition, Alexander visited Jerusalem and showed respect for Jewish laws and customs, which led to a peaceful transition to Greek rule. The relationship during Alexander’s reign was positive due to his policy of cultural and religious tolerance. |
| 323 BCE | Death of Alexander the Great | Neutral | After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the rise of the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires. Initially, the Jewish community experienced relative peace and autonomy under these Hellenistic rulers, but this neutrality soon changed as Greek influence deepened. |
| 301-200 BCE | Ptolemaic Rule in Judea | Neutral to Good | Judea comes under the control of the Ptolemaic Kingdom (based in Egypt). The Jews enjoyed a fair amount of religious autonomy, and Greek culture (Hellenism) began to influence Jewish society, particularly in Alexandria. While Hellenization increased, the relationship remained neutral to positive, with the Ptolemies largely allowing Jewish customs and practices to continue. |
| 200 BCE | Judea falls under Seleucid control | Neutral | The Seleucids (based in Syria) take control of Judea after defeating the Ptolemies at the Battle of Panium. Initially, the Seleucid rulers, such as Antiochus III, allow the Jews to maintain their religious practices and autonomy. The relationship remains neutral, though Hellenistic influences continued to grow. |
| 175 BCE | Reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes | Bad | Antiochus IV Epiphanes comes to power and begins a campaign of aggressive Hellenization in Judea. He imposes Greek culture, religion, and laws on the Jews, banning key Jewish practices such as circumcision and Sabbath observance, and desecrates the Temple by placing a statue of Zeus inside it. This period marks a severe deterioration in relations, leading to intense religious and political tensions. |
| 167-160 BCE | Maccabean Revolt | Bad | Jewish resistance to the policies of Antiochus IV culminates in the Maccabean Revolt, led by Judah Maccabee and his family. This uprising was sparked by the desecration of the Temple and the persecution of Jews who refused to adopt Greek customs. The revolt results in Jewish victory and the rededication of the Temple, which is commemorated in the festival of Hanukkah. Relations during this period were extremely hostile due to religious persecution. |
| 164 BCE | Rededication of the Temple (Hanukkah) | Bad (ongoing conflict) | Although the Temple is rededicated and the Maccabees regain control of Jerusalem, conflict with the Seleucids continues. The relationship remains strained as the Seleucids seek to reassert control over the region, while the Jews under the Maccabees fight for independence. |
| 140 BCE | Hasmonean Kingdom Established | Good | After years of conflict, the Seleucid Empire weakens, and the Jews establish the Hasmonean Kingdom, gaining independence. The relationship between the Jews and Greece improves as the Jews now rule their own state, though Greek cultural influences remain strong, especially in the Hellenized cities of the region. |
| 104-63 BCE | Hasmonean Expansion | Neutral to Good | The Hasmonean dynasty expands its territories, incorporating regions with Hellenized populations. Greek culture continues to influence the region, but the Hasmonean rulers are able to balance Greek ideas with Jewish traditions. The relationship is largely neutral, with some Hellenistic Jews embracing Greek culture, while others resist it. |
| 63 BCE | Roman Conquest of Judea | End of Greek Rule | In 63 BCE, the Roman general Pompey conquers Judea, bringing an end to Greek (Hellenistic) rule in the region. The relationship between the Jews and the Greek world shifts as Judea comes under Roman control. However, Greek culture remains influential during the Roman period, particularly in the cities of the Decapolis and other Hellenistic regions. |
Key Takeaways:
- Early Relations (332-200 BCE): The Jewish relationship with the Greek world started on a positive note under Alexander the Great and the Ptolemies, with Jews enjoying relative autonomy and protection. Greek culture, however, began to influence Jewish society, particularly in cities like Alexandria.
- Seleucid Rule and Tensions (200-164 BCE): Relations deteriorated under Seleucid rulers, particularly Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who attempted to forcefully impose Greek customs on the Jewish people, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. This period was marked by intense hostility and conflict over religious freedom.
- Hasmonean Period (140-63 BCE): After the success of the Maccabean Revolt, the Jews gained independence and established the Hasmonean Kingdom. The relationship improved, though Greek cultural influences persisted, especially in Hellenized areas. This period saw a balance between Jewish tradition and Hellenistic culture.
- End of Greek Rule (63 BCE): The Roman conquest of Judea ended Greek rule, but Hellenistic culture remained influential in the region for centuries.
The Jewish-Greek relationship was largely defined by periods of cultural exchange and conflict, with Greek rulers often seeking to impose Hellenistic culture on the Jews, which led to resistance and eventual Jewish independence under the Hasmoneans.